Wade Slinkard subscribes to the notion that form can be temporary, so there is no time like the present to make a rare trip to Randwick with Stradazzle.
The Hawkesbury trainer had considered running the six-year-old gelding over 2100m at Gosford on New Year’s Eve, but has opted for the stiffer challenge a day later.
“Gosford is the easiest but we can always go back there. We thought there’s more pace at Randwick and we think the mile and a half will suit him,” Slinkard said.
Back-to-back wins on his home track and Kembla Grange also pointed Stradazzle to the Listed Tattersalls Club Cup (2400m) for just his second start in Sydney.
“It’s taken him a long time to put two together. You never know, he might make it three. I don’t think it’s a champion field,” Slinkard said.
“He’s working well and going well so I think if you’re going to have a go at one of those races now’s the time.”
The distance also appealed with Slinkard admitting 2400m had long been suggested as Stradazzle’s ideal distance.
“Everyone’s who ridden him, even some of the top jockeys that rode him in his earlier races, said he’s looking for a mile and a half. It’s taken a while,” Slinkard said.
Apprentice Claire Nutman was in the saddle for Stradazzle’s first start at Hawkesbury in August 2014 and she will attempt to guide him to a fifth career win.
“Claire rides him better than anyone,” Slinkard said.
“She just let’s him do his own thing and brings him into it when he wants to.”
Stradazzle drew barrier six of eight and Slinkard thought the draw would suit providing the pace he expected eventuated.
There are no specific goals for Stradazzle over summer, but owner Tom Sewell is keen for him to improve on a seventh in the Listed Grafton Cup when the next edition takes place in July.
Slinkard, who has nine horses in work, was looking forward to bringing a runner to Sydney for the second time this season after Our Anniversaire ran at Warwick Farm in September.
“I used to have a lot of runners in town but since the (Chris) Wallers and all that I’m not as popular,” he said.
